Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves has thrown down the gauntlet to budget airline giant Ryanair, challenging its outspoken chief executive Michael O'Leary to a festive battle of wits. The face-off is the centrepiece of The Guardian's annual Christmas business quiz, published on Friday, 19th December 2025.
A Festive Fiscal Face-Off
The quiz, a light-hearted tradition for the holiday season, pits the UK's top finance minister against one of the aviation industry's most notorious figures. In a series of questions testing knowledge on economics, corporate affairs, and current events, Reeves represents the government while O'Leary champions the private sector. The format invites readers to score the two contenders' answers and decide for themselves who emerges victorious from this unique yuletide challenge.
This year's edition arrives at a politically sensitive time, with the Labour government's economic policies under constant scrutiny. The quiz offers a rare, less formal glimpse into the Chancellor's mindset outside the strict confines of the Treasury and parliamentary debate. For Ryanair, it continues the airline's long-standing strategy of engaging in bold, public-facing commentary, often spearheaded by its CEO.
More Than Just Trivia
While the primary tone is festive and humorous, the underlying context is deeply rooted in contemporary UK business and political dynamics. The questions are designed to probe not just general knowledge but insights into market trends, fiscal policy, and corporate strategy. The participation of such high-profile figures transforms the quiz from a simple trivia exercise into a symbolic, if playful, dialogue between government and industry.
The Guardian's Christmas business quiz has become an anticipated fixture in the media calendar, often revealing the personalities of powerful figures through their chosen answers and occasional witty asides. The decision to feature Rachel Reeves and Michael O'Leary in 2025 highlights their significant roles in shaping the nation's economic landscape, one through public policy and the other through aggressive market competition.
Readers are encouraged to play along, comparing their own answers to those submitted by the Chancellor and the airline boss. The result is an engaging piece of interactive content that blends news, entertainment, and a subtle reflection on the year's major business stories, all wrapped up in a festive package.
